Is there validity to the claim that national standardized curriculum and testing will bring about the necessary education reform in the United States? To answer this question, the author has looked at and learned from Singapore, a country that has traditionally excelled and outperformed U.S. students in the international comparative studies. This commentary seeks to address the notion that if we could set high nation-wide standards, it will improve the quality of education that students get, close the achievement gap, and make the U.S. a more competitive player in the 21st century. Through examining the past and present educational reforms in Singapore, this commentary will expose the hidden costs associated with obtaining and sustaining high academic achievement in standardized curriculum and assessment. (Contains 2 tables.)